Membership by Examination
This is the Institute's preferred route into membership. The examination syllabus covers both manual and computerised book-keeping and tests your ability to carry out the work of a book-keeper.
The qualifications are awarded at three levels: Level I covers double-entry bookkeeping to trial balance; Level II takes you up to the preparation of final accounts for a sole trader; and Level III covers the preparation of accounts for a wider range of businesses. The detailed syllabus can be found 'here'.
Once you commence a course of study, you may apply to become a Registered Student with the Institute. Upon completion of your course you may apply to sit the Institute's examinations. You must be a Registered Student with the Institute in order to sit the examinations.
If you are an experienced bookkeeper and are seeking or need a formal qualification, you may apply to sit the examination without any formal training.
Examination dates
Manual examinations are normally held on the second Wednesday of February, June and October of each year. Deadline for entry is the 1st of the month prior (as from October 2008 sitting) (ie: January, May and September).
Computerised examinations are on demand and are available most weeks of the year.
Examination centres
The Institute uses examination centres around the world. Once your application is received you will be allocated to the centre that is closest to where you live. You will then receive written confirmation of the venue, complete with a map and directions. If you are studying at a college, you will normally sit your examination on their premises.
Examinations outside the UK are normally held at British Council offices.
How to study
There are number of different ways in which you can study towards the Institute's examinations:
At a college: Most local colleges offer courses in bookkeeping. This will probably be the lowest cost way to study but remember that you will have to commit yourself to attending a college for a whole academic year. Check that the course you are considering covers the Institute's syllabus. Some colleges will pay your student registration and examination fees for you.
By distance learning: With a distance learning course you will purchase course instruction books, which you will work through at home. You will normally have access to a personal tutor by telephone or email. This type of course will normally be more expensive because they are run by private companies and are therefore not government subsidised. However they offer maximum flexibility and should be considered by anyone who does not wish, or is unable, to commit to attending college every week. Most bookkeeping students study by distance learning.
By open learning: This type of study is a combination of college study and distance learning. You will normally study at a centre but there will be additional homework that will form part of the course. With some providers you will attend the centre only at the beginning and end of the course; with others you will attend more regularly as you complete the course.
Private college: A number of private colleges offer short courses in bookkeeping. These can be anything from a few weeks to several months. These can be expensive because you will normally be studying in a small group or possibly even on a one-to-one basis. However, for anyone needing to qualify quickly, this can be a very useful way to study.
Where to study
The Institute accredits a wide range of training providers, a complete list of which can be found 'here'. If you are considering training with an organisation that is not listed, or should you require additional information or clarification please call the Institute on 0845 060 2345.
Registering as a student
Any person wishing to take the Institute's examinations must be a Registered Student with the Institute. This will normally take place on commencement of a course of study.
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